Merry's POV
My first thought was to blame Pip for yet another catastrophe that he was responsible for but one look at my cousin's face told me that he was suffering enough. I did not want to increase his problems.
I had sprinted out of the Mines behind Pippin and in front of Legolas and gasped as the cold air of the Dimrill Dale hit my face and filled my lungs.
I nearly tripped over Pippin as he collapsed to the ground, tears pouring freely down his face. I sat beside him and as he buried his damp face in my shoulder, I wrapped my arms around him and felt my own eyes sting though no tears would fall.
I felt some strange compulsion not to cry for Gandalf though grief burned in my heart and tears stung my eyes. I felt that I had to be strong for Pip and that meant no tears. I could cry later.
A shadow fell across me and I felt Pippin unwrap his arms from my neck. Blinking I raised my eyes and they fell on Boromir with Pippin embraced in his arms.
Heartless though this may sound, but I was glad that Boromir was crying. It meant that I did not have to act strong. It meant I could cry as well.
Boromir looked at me through his tears opening his other arms to me and I gladly moved into his embrace. Pressing my face into his shoulder, I began to let my tears fall.
I vaguely heard Strider say something about getting to some woods before night fell and was brought sharply to my senses as Boromir let go of me and swung round. I suppressed the yelp that threatened to escape as my source of comfort disappeared and quickly made to grasp Pippin's hand as he swayed.
"Let them rest!" Boromir begged Strider and I felt grateful for his words. Strider however was having none of it and insisted that we all move off. My heavy heart seemed to sink into my stomach as I heard Strider speak.
Boromir turned dejectedly back to face me and he wrapped me in his arms again. I felt like a child once as I knelt in his arms and all I wanted to do was stay where I was and not have to think about yesterday or tomorrow. All too soon Boromir released me and pulled me to my feet.
I blinked away my tears and looked over to the Woods that lay in front of us. Strider was right, we had to go on.
I will not forget you Gandalf, may we meet again some day.